We won !

Statement by CFT President Mary Bergan on the Outcome of the Election
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
On behalf of the members of the California Federation of Teachers, I thank the voters of California for their support in defeating Propositions 74, 75, and 76. We're grateful that the people of California rejected the governor's misguided attempts to scapegoat teachers and unions and expand his powers at the expense of the legislature and common sense.

Prop. 74 wasn't reform and would have done nothing to improve conditions for teaching and learning. Prop. 74 was no substitute for real education reform, just as Proposition 76 was no substitute for real state budget reform.

Nearly all education leaders -- school boards and school superintendents, policy experts and newspapers across the state -- agreed with us that Prop. 74 would not have improved our teacher corps, or helped us recruit the 100,000 new teachers the children of California will need over the next 10 years.

Now that Prop. 74 is history, we can look to the future and concentrate on recruiting and retaining good young teachers.

Prop 74 promised nothing to address the real problems in California's schools, or to implement proven reforms like reducing class sizes, providing students with updated textbooks and materials, or giving teachers the support they need to hone their craft.

Supporting beginning teachers and having our best teachers review and assist teachers with difficulties are proven ways to improve teacher performance. But Governor Schwarzenegger drastically cut those programs -- 70% over the past few years.

As he prepares his budget proposal for the coming year, we call on the governor to fully fund the Peer Assistance and Review program, and increase staff development and other mentoring support for new teachers.

The governor cannot ignore the fact that California is 42nd in the country in per-pupil spending. That has a huge impact on all aspects of student achievement.

We look forward to working with all education leaders, the legislature and the governor, to address and solve the real problems confronting our students and our schools and colleges.